Sunday, March 23, 2008

Our Elder Billy is currently serving in what he says is the "best mission in the church." Anyone ever said that before? He is in the Honduras San Pedro Sula Mission. He is currently an Assistant to the President, whom he loves very much. He loves his mission and the people of Honduras. We are proud of him and love the pictures that he sends us - here are just a few!

The Palencia FamilyRest time - who can actually sleep in a hammock?Elder Holladay does a self-portrait prior to emailing yesterdayElder Holladay is busy in the mission field

We went to the valley on Friday to spend some quality time with our grandbabies. On Friday, Chris and I took Kaitlyn and Colby to the airport to the see the plane Chris's company will be leasing and then watched planes take off and land - we finished with ice cream! Then that night when everyone got home we went to dinner. B and Jenn picked Rumbi's Island Grill - everyone enjoyed themselves. On Saturday we dyed Easter Eggs and had a little "hunt" in the front yards. It is super handy that Tim and Bryan share front yards at their condos as they live right across from each other - we love it! That afternoon we saw "Horton Hears A Who". Plenty of popcorn, drinks and candy can get any two year old through a movie! All in all a great time for Grammi and Papa!Papa, Grammi and kiddies pose for picture - Papa is working hard to keep Colby in the pic!The Easter egg dying beginsB demonstrates the wonders of the shrink wrap on the eggsKaitlyn tries to decide what to write with the "magic crayon" before dying the eggPapa gets into the actionIs Konnor dying the egg or his finger?Jenn helps with Easter egg dying activityThe gang having dinner at Island Grill - check out my huge salad!Car seat buddies holding handsBoy do they love their Papa! (and watching airplanes)Grammi and kids at the airport watching the planes - despite Kaitlyn's face they loved it!Papa, Kat and C-bone at a different plane Chris's company will soon be flyingMore of the sameElder Holladay requested pictures of his Dad in his corvette - here you go Billy!Papa and Konnor in the vette

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Most of you know by now that my biological mother, Donna, found me last year in June. I have since been out to California twice. Once to meet her and the second time to meet my four brothers and their families. This is the first visit by anyone from my "new family" to Arizona. The oldest son Neil who is coincidentally born on my Dad's birthday and is only 17 months younger than me, brought his family to visit. They were able to meet Tim and Bryan and their families (pictures can be seen on B and Jenn's blog) and then drove up to stay two nights with us. We had a terrific time! It didn't take us long to show them the town, so after lunch at DQ the first day (my camera wouldn't work there!) we took them around town and then over to Snowflake. On Tuesday we drove over the mountain to Greer, stopping at the sled run near Sunrise. We had a nice lunch in Greer and then drove through Springerville/Eagar to come home. There they were able to see the largest wooden indoor football field in the US and our first home. Then back home. We shared lots of stories and we very much enjoyed getting to know them. We are so happy that they took the time to come all this way to see us. We are looking forward to more visits from our California family in the future!

Alana and Tricia checking out B and Jenn's blogAt Greer LodgeNeil, Terri and Alana on the deck at Greer LodgeWe found Alana an "Arizona Cowboy". The good thing is that he is a great listener and doesn't talk back!Alana was appreciative of this picture with her mouth full! Lunch at Greer Lodge compliments of Neil. We had wanted to treat them and he was much faster with the waitress than we were.

Thanks Neil!Neil and family on the mountain. We wanted to show Alana the snow. Uncle Chris was happy to commandeer a sled for her, but she declined.On the sledding mountain near SunriseTerri & NeilAlana and Tricia are bundled up!Neil, Alana & Tricia. Too many shadows from the tree on their faces!

Terri, Neil and Alana at the standard "first day of school" photo pose in front of the tree!

Friday, March 7, 2008

We busted out the bike today and took the first ride of the season. I must admit it was a bit chilly! We bundled up and drove to the bottom of Salt River Canyon where we had a picnic lunch. It was a beautiful day and warm in the canyon. The water was beautiful and we were checking out the river for our upcoming rafting trip.

Chris on his first ride of the season

Biker chick!

Happy girl - nasty hair!

Chris enjoying lunch in the shade

Rafters across the river - they have professional river runs on the Salt River from now until May 15 - we are going to do it!

Chris & Terri

Our Missionary

The Boys

Grandbabies (May 2010)

Grandbabies (Sept 2008)

Holladay's

We love being grandparents and getting to see our children grow. Chris is currently working for a new air ambulance company he helped to start called Coast to Coast Air Ambulance and finally has fulfilled his dream of being a pilot full-time. Terri is still making dilly bars at DQ - over 22 years! We are empty nesters as Skippy is finishing up serving a mission in North Carolina.